Maha Astami (Dashain Day 8)

The eighth day of the Bada Dashain festival Maha Astami is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani.

On this day, people offer special worships to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Maha Saraswati. This day of the Dashain festival is considered a special day when Goddess Durga attained power.

On the occasion, people perform religious rituals at the Dashain Ghars and armouries and offer worship to goddess at various shrines by offering sacrifices of different animals. The people also read the Durga Saptashati scriptures.

Devotees throng the various goddess temples throughout the country to offer worships, sacrificing goats, ducks and roosters.

Special Durgapuja worship and prayer ceremonies are held at the Dashain Ghars. People also worship the weapons, vehicles and machines.

People who do not sacrifice animals offer sacrifices of various vegetables and fruits in place of animals.

Also on this day, a special Kalaratri worship is held at midnight at the Dashain Ghar of Hanumandhoka in the capital city.